The adoption of Data Networks and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has become crucial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. However, SMEs often face challenges such as resource limitations and security vulnerabilities, which hinder their ability to fully leverage these technologies. This systematic review examines the role of Data Networks and APIs in enhancing operational efficiency within SMEs, focusing on key metrics such as speed, cost reduction, scalability, and security challenges. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search across multiple databases including Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2014 and 2024, focused on SMEs, and addressing the role of Data Networks and APIs in operational efficiency were included. A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for key outcomes related to operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security risks. The review found that Data Networks and APIs significantly improve operational efficiency by increasing process speed (12% increase), reducing operational costs (8% reduction), and enhancing overall productivity. However, security challenges, particularly related to API vulnerabilities, were a major concern, with cyberattacks on APIs increasing by 400% in Q1 2023 alone. Despite these risks, the benefits of implementing Data Networks and APIs in SMEs, particularly in terms of scalability and real-time data processing, were evident across industries. Data Networks and APIs offer substantial improvements in operational efficiency for SMEs, although security remains a significant challenge. Future efforts should focus on developing security frameworks tailored to SMEs while maintaining the operational benefits of these technologies. Further research is needed to explore scalable and secure API models for SMEs.

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, businesses must adapt to evolving business models and harness the power of data to thrive. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges in aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives while navigating digital transformation. This systematic review, conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, investigates the role of Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Information Management (IM) in driving IT growth and sustaining competitive performance in SMEs. Through a synthesis of academic research, industry analysis, and case studies from the last decade, this review identifies key frameworks—such as TOGAF, Zachman, and FEAF—that support the alignment of IT capabilities with organizational goals. The integration of IM within EA frameworks is found to enhance decision-making, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are highlighted for their transformative impact, enabling real-time data analysis, improved scalability, and enhanced agility. Our review reports that 43.44% of the studies focused on cloud-based solutions, while 24.59% adopted hybrid models, offering SMEs scalable and flexible IT infrastructures. The findings emphasize the necessity of strong governance frameworks to ensure compliance, adaptability, and long-term sustainability in a dynamic environment. This research contributes to a comprehensive roadmap for SMEs, enabling them to leverage EA and IM for sustained growth and competitive advantage in the digital era.

In recent years, digital transformation has become a pivotal factor for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), empowering them to adopt emerging technologies for competitive advantage. This systematic literature review examines 60 research papers published between 2014 and 2024, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to explore the impact of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) on SME performance. The review focuses on key drivers and barriers, including operational efficiency, customer engagement, and market expansion. Methodologies employed in the analyzed studies include quantitative approaches (60%), such as surveys and structural equation modelling, qualitative methods (25%), including interviews and case studies, and mixed methods approaches (15%) that combine both. A geographic distribution analysis highlights contributions from various countries, revealing regional research gaps. The results show that digital technologies have significantly improved SME operations, but challenges like limited resources and strategic focus persist. Additionally, the dominance of quantitative methods indicates a potential bias, suggesting the need for more diverse methodological approaches to fully understand the transformative potential of digital technologies for SMEs.

Holistic nursing should be a goal for all nurses. Patients that receive holistic nursing feel acknowledged, valued, and appreciated. Caring for patients holistically requires student nurses to possess and display attributes of mindfulness and Ubuntu. Student nurses therefore need to be supported and taught how to provide caring holistically to patients while being aware, being present, and conscious in the caring moment. The purpose of this article was to describe the model developed as a frame of reference to facilitate holistic nursing through developing mindfulness and Ubuntu. A theory generative, exploratory, and contextual research design was followed. A diagrammatic structure was constructed after the concept analysis was conducted. The model consisted of three phases with an outcome of a student nurse who is caring holistically and mindfully. The model provides a framework of reference to facilitate holistic nursing through the development of mindfulness. This study adds a model of mindfulness and a lens of looking at mindfulness through an African philosophy of Ubuntu.

In the current digital era, Enterprise Data Management (EDM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing business performance by ensuring efficient handling of diverse data sources and enabling real-time applications. However, the complexity of managing vast data streams and integrating various systems presents significant challenges for enterprises. These challenges can be mitigated by incorporating APIs and Middleware, APIs help integrate diverse systems, while middleware solutions facilitate communication between different software environments, Cloud-Based Data Platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to offer scalable data storage and processing capabilities, allowing businesses to expand without compromising on performance. This study proposes a systematic review of business performance improvements driven by various types, sources, and real-time applications, highlighting cost efficiency, reliability, and increase in revenue using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the inclusion criteria is bounded by (1) publication date between 2014 to 2024, (2) written in English, (3) research focusing on EDM with an emphasis on types, data sources, and real-time applications, and (4) research work that provides a clear framework for the analysis of EDM’s impact on enhancing business performance. Following this process, 136 eligible research studies were included. The cost of implementation can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the system. Operational and maintenance costs can vary widely depending on the infrastructure, data storage requirements, and the level of real-time application integrations. As EDM systems scale to accommodate more diverse data sources and real-time analytics capabilities, the associated costs increase accordingly.

Student nurses come across various complex interpersonal spheres that require them to show their soft skills. Nursing education pays more attention to developing hard skills but focuses less on the soft skills that contribute to the success of healthcare establishments and the nurses themselves. Thus, the purpose of the study was to explore and describe nurse educators’ perceptions of soft skills that enhance effective interpersonal interactions and to develop recommendations to facilitate the incorporation of soft skills in nursing education. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used for this study. A purposive sampling method was applied, and 12 online semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nurse educators from the Higher Education in Johannesburg. Tesch’s open coding method was employed for data analysis. The measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the research process, along with the ethical principles. Majority of the nurse educators perceive that teaching soft skills strengthens personal capacity to interact and relate better with others. The analysis of the study revealed five themes (1) Soft skills teaching is perceived by nurse educators as enhancing effective interpersonal interactions. (2) effective communication, (3) teamwork (4) emotional intelligence, and (5) critical thinking. Facilitating soft skills in nursing education is essential in preparing nurse graduates who can foster effective interpersonal interactions with patients and other professionals.